Death on river puts spotlight on safety

MARTINDALE, Texas (KXAN) - A death over the weekend on the San Marcos River underscores concerns over safety, and one neighborhood wants tougher rules to protect the public.

Police say 23-year-old Eric Honeycutt of Round Rock was climbing a tree by the river when he fell and hit his head on a rock.

People who live in the area say the "can ban" on the Comal River in New Braunfels has pushed tubers north to San Marcos.

The San Marcos River runs right through a neighborhood in Martindale , just east of San Marcos. Homeowners say they've seen increased traffic, trash, and a rising concern for safety.

With crowds that bring loud music, rowdy parties, and tons of alcohol; neighbors call it a recipe for disaster. 

They say Honeycutt's death is a sad reminder how how things have gotten out of control.

Neighbors say they're now taking their concerns to county officials in hopes of getting new rules put in place to address the problem.

A new can ban was passed by the San Marcos City Council to prohibit the cans in parks along the river.

But the ordinance won't go into effect until January, and will not apply to the city of Martindale where the drowning took place.